When Sally Kellerman sings, she tells a story; sometimes hers, sometimes yours, and always with soul and spirit.

I’m grateful to work with this celebrated singer, author and Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actress, who knows that staying teachable is vital to meaningful performance.

Last night, her act at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood shared Sally’s talent, humor and love. What a gift.

I’m grateful that 2014 has been such a rewarding year for my work – with new and continuing students as well as with The Voice, for whom I coach rising talents through their crucial Blind Auditions. This year saw two winners for The Voice, and I’m fortunate to have coached both of them.

In May, Team Usher’s phenomenal Josh Kaufman won Season 6, and this December, Team Blake’s sensational Craig Wayne Boyd won Season 7.

I’m eager to hear and see more of what these two stars do with their talents – just as I love hearing and seeing each and every one of my students grow as an artist. Remember, your voice is unique and no one else’s – so guide it, protect it and share your heart with it.

Happy New Year!

The Voice Season 7 runner-up Matt McAndrew calls himself a “lucid dreamer” and it’s that sort of personal philosophy — along with astounding talent — that continues to take him to new heights of accomplishment. Earlier this month, his original single “Wasted Love” debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Hot 100, making him the highest-charting The Voice recording artist to date. I’m honored to have worked with Matt through his captivating Blind Audition. He’s a true artist with a soul for learning, creating and sharing.

Paul Mirkovich knows how to create the best arrangements for every different type of singer on The Voice. As the show’s musical director, he brings over 30 years of experience to work he loves and takes creative inspiration from sources as diverse as Chopin, Gershwin, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell. In turn, he’s an inspiration to the rest of us.

This summer, I enjoyed the privilege of both officiating and singing at the wedding of my friends David Mateo and Paul Nakauchi, aboard a yacht which sailed through the beautiful waters of the Marina del Rey harbor.

I was joined by lovely and talented Kay Trinidad, to usher the grooms toward their union in song.

What a gift it is, to be called upon to celebrate love.

Cathy Lee Crosby (That’s Incredible, The Player, The Big Tease) is a talented woman with a gift of a voice. It’s inspiring to work with someone dedicated to training in all that she does. She’s living proof that talent, professionalism and kindness are an unbeatable combination.

Congratulations Josh Kaufman! What a pleasure it was coaching this phenomenal talent through The Blind Auditions and watching him soar through Season 6.

Working with someone this gifted and passionate is one of the many rewards of my career. Seeing — and hearing — him win this extraordinary competition is another.

I can’t stop congratulating two of the finest singers I had the pleasure of coaching through The Voice Season 6 Blind Auditions: Delvin Choice and Josh Kaufman.

A couple of weeks ago, these two powerhouses were paired up for a Round Two Battle… and together, they brought “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” to another level. Hear them for yourself.

I first met legendary musician, arranger and producer Bob Esty in 1996, when he was Musical Director and I was the company Vocal Coach for Larry Hart’s Sisterella — the only stage production produced by Michael Jackson — in which I also had the pleasure of starring as “Ambassador Indursky.”

Bob contacted me a few years later to sing back-up for Barbra Streisand at the Shrine for Al Gore’s Nomination Celebration Concert benefit, and following that, two nights at the Staple Center for her sold-out concert, where Bob was the Musical Director for her backup choir.

We’ve remained close friends since our first time working together on Sisterella, and continue to work together on some very fulfilling projects. Here we are in the studio with singer-songwriter Scott Snapp at the microphone, recording new tracks of his singular theatrical pop.

Thank you to Executive Producer of The Voice, Audrey Morrissey, for graciously acknowledging my part in the show’s 2013 Emmy win for Best Reality Competition Series, and insisting (she didn’t have to twist my arm) that I hold the award she accepted in September.

I’m very thankful, and very proud, to have a voice in The Voice!